How the "News for All" Project is Recentering Journalism
In a world where trust and engagement with journalism have dwindled, the News for All project emerges as a beacon, aiming to transform journalism by placing communities at the epicenter of the design process. This collaborative venture, a partnership between Media Cymru, BBC News, and BBC Research & Development, redefines the very essence of journalism to better serve those who do not perceive its current value.
The traditional notion of journalism as a public service, offering citizens trusted, fact-based information, has faced challenges in recent times. The stark reality of diminishing engagement and trust in journalism is a call for introspection. The News for All project delves into this realm, acknowledging that marginalized communities perceive journalism as an “arm of the state”—disconnected from their realities and often exacerbating the negativity in their lives.
Listening to the voices of South Wales communities, the project unearths startling revelations. Communities feel alienated, viewing mainstream journalism as an entity failing to represent or speak for them. These insights, although uncomfortable, shed light on the critical need for change—a transformative shift that values and includes the marginalized.
At the heart of this transformative endeavor lies the principle of equality. Researchers and community members work hand in hand, recognizing and valuing each individual's lived experiences. Led by community members Rhiannon White and Amira Hayat, the project embodies the belief that everyone brings valuable, unique perspectives.
Departing from conventional research methodologies, News for All flips the script. Instead of detached focus groups, community-led sessions foster genuine connections over six months. Straying from the pursuit of a “representative sample,” the project partners with entities like Grange Pavilion, EYST, and Common Wealth Theatre, bringing together those often overlooked by traditional news coverage.
Journalism faces multifaceted challenges, demanding a reevaluation of conventional norms. Co-design methods allow for experimentation, questioning the status quo, and challenging power dynamics in research settings. With upcoming sessions, the project aims to redefine research techniques, capturing not just words but the emotional reactions and relational dynamics that fuel meaningful change.
